If the 2018 season ended after four weeks — and some Detroit Lions fans may wish it did — the Lions would pick second overall in the 2019 NFL draft April 25.
The last time the franchise picked second was in 2010, when it selected Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.
The Lions also picked second in 2007 (Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson) and 2003 (Michigan State receiver Charles Rogers).
As a reminder, the NFL draft order is determined by record, using strength of schedule as a tiebreaker. Teams 21-32 make the playoffs, so the order for playoff teams is determined by the results of postseason play.
Of course, there are 12 games left in this season, so a lot will change.
Analysis: Three reasons for hope and concern for Lions at quarter mark
Lions film review: How Jamal Agnew set up Kerryon Johnson’s TD
Still, it’s surprising the Lions are already in the cellar at 1-3, after two seasons of 9-7. Eight other teams are 1-3, including both the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers (their lone wins were against the Lions), and the Arizona Cardinals are 0-4.
But unlike nearly every other bad team, the Lions have a healthy franchise quarterback in Matthew Stafford, who at 30 years old, remains in his prime. Teams with a good quarterback rarely pick in the top 5 of the draft. But the Lions might be headed that way.
Who might the Lions pick in Round 1?
See if you can spot a trend …
• CBSSports’ Ryan Wilson released his mock draft Tuesday using his own projected draft order, and has the Lions picking Alabama defensive tackle Raekwon Davis at No. 8 overall.
Wilson writes: “The Lions’ defense is allowing 5.6 yards per carry and is ranked 27th against the run, according to Football Outsiders. Davis is nearly impossible to move and would go a long way in shoring up that run D.”
Wilson has Michigan defensive end Rashan Gary going 10th to Atlanta.
• Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller released his mock draft Tuesday, and projected Clemson edge defender Clelin Ferrell to the Lions at No. 8 overall.
Miller writes: “Clelin Ferrell is oftentimes overlooked because he plays on a defensive line with so many top-tier teammates, but he’s the standout talent of the group. Ferrell is your classic right defensive end with power, athleticism, length and the quickness off the snap to get after the quarterback. In either a stand-up or three-point stance, he’s able to affect the edge and is a perfect fit for the Lions’ four-man front.”
Miller has Gary going sixth overall to Indianapolis.
• SB Nation’s Ben Natan’s mock draft Tuesday has the Lions picking Ole Miss defensive lineman Jeffrey Simmons at No. 6 overall.
Natan writes: “The Lions need more dynamic players in their front seven. Ziggy Ansah is their only true pass rusher and the rest of the players are plus run defenders at best. Simmons is an all around player who can play all over a defensive line to create pressure and elevate the play of the entire defense.”
Natan has Gary going 10th to Oakland, and Michigan linebacker Devin Bush going 22nd to Washington.
Yes, the Lions need a lot of defensive help, and though general manger Bob Quinn has gone offensive line, linebacker, offensive line with his first pick over his three years in Detroit, one would think he’ll look to revitalize the other side of the trenches this time, specifically the pass rush.
The Lions can being to change their early-season predicament with a home win against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
More: Ndamukong Suh: Rams’ Jared Goff best QB I’ve ever had (um, Stafford?)
Download: Lions Xtra app is a must-have for Honolulu and Blue faithful
